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Some words from the Oakley Arctic Challenge

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When: Febuary 18th-23rd 2008

Where: Holmenkollen Arena in Oslo, Norway

The man without whom this never would’ve happened

by John Harald Knutsson

What can I say? What a day… What a day… What a day! Did I say that three times, that’s not nearly enough. WHAT A DAY! And one more time in bold: WHAT A MIGHTY GOOD DAY!!! We have seen the future of snowboarding on the Holmenkollen arena in Oslo, Norway. And I believe you folks watching NRK or Freecaster from the comfort of your couch at home have seen the future of snowboard broadcasting. And I believe that we, the people behind the scene, or behind the sword to be more precise can pat ourselves on the back, throw down some high-fives, raise the glass and toast for a job well done.

But first lets recap some of today’s highlights. Overall winner, best trick winner and official TTR World Snowboard Tour number one Kevin Pearce seems absolutely bloody unbeatable this season. His huge inverted bs 540 double grab secured him the top spot on the podium. The Oakley Arctic Challenge has always been a place where the rookies get a chance to shine. And second place winner (cause they are all winners at TAC) Shayne Posipisil threw down some serious bangers today and topped it with a gigantous frontside 360. Third place went to Finland and wonderboy Peetu Piiroinen. He impressed the judges and the crowd with insane amplitude and a mean backside 540. Peetu stuck the landing of the highest air of the day, 7,5 m above the coping. Host and owner Terje Haakonsen landed the fourth spot with his humongous tweaked McTwist Japan and almost took the highest air with a copy of his world-record bs 360 from last year. He was 8,3 m above the coping but over-rotated and the jump was not approved.

Fifth place went to the style-King himself, Mr. Nicolas Müller with his legendary superstylish Mc Twist. Too bad his one-foot McTwister ended with a slam, but thanks anyways Nico for giving a great show. Andy Finch stoked the crowd with a huge chuck and some insane airs. Other Stand-outs of the day were Norwegian homeboys Daniel Josefsen and Ulrik Badertcher going both huge and technical. Daniel scared us all by landing flat on the top of the QP after flying a good 6-7 meters. Thanks Fredrik for good padding.

All in all a bloody fine day at the Holmenkollen Ski-jump arena, with next level snowboarding, relaxed athmosphere, good music. Thanks to Pirate Love for rocking it up, Ida Marie for saying it as it is: OH MY GOD! And thanks to Akon for bringing the rhythm and rhyme. Thanks also to our friends at Oakley, Nokia, Protest and Explora Capital and all you other supporters. Last but definitely not least, thanks to all volunteers for bringing the whole thing together and keeping us all afloat. Your effort is invaluable.

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